Diplomats Win Third Straight
LANCASTER, Pa. – Franklin & Marshall sent the seniors out of Mayser Center with a bang, taking all nine bouts wrestled in a 39-6 win over New York University on Senior Night. Two-thirds of the Diplomats graduating class recorded pins in their final home match while the other rolled up a major decision.
The win was the third in as many meets for F&M. It is the first time since the 2006-2007 season that F&M has strung together three dual meet wins.
Senior captain, Jake Bucha (27-4), handed Steve Contino a 17-4 setback at 133 pounds to pick up his 74th career victory. Classmates Anthony Bongarzone (13-15) and Dan Canfield (10-17) both picked up pins in front of a gathering of family and alumni, who were also recognized prior to the night of wrestling.
Bucha's major made it 6-4 in favor of NYU (5-9), moving him into eighth place on F&M's list for wins in a season. His 27-4 mark matches Justin Herbert's record in 2007-08.
Aaron Velasquez (5-12) gave the Diplomats their first lead of the night with a 6-1 decision over Clement Bommier (17-16). For the second time in as many matches, Velasquez appeared to have his opponent stuck, only to be foiled by the buzzer. Classmate, Andrew Murano (6-13) kept the momentum rolling with an eight-takedown effort in a 20-8 win over Dan Gorman (6-6) at 149.
Eric Norgard (7-16) collected a forfeit at 157 to give F&M a 16-6 lead.
Matt Latessa (5-14) extended his winning streak at 184 pounds to a career-best four-matches with an 8-6 win over Sabino Galassi (18-14). Matt Fullowan (22-11) picked up a 7-1 decision at 174, while 197-pounder Colin Ely (16-4) remained undefeated in dual meet appearances this season with a 10-2 major of Stephen Massey (13-12).
The Diplomats return to action next Friday night at Millersville in the annual Battle for the Rupp Cup. It is the season's final dual meet.
Franklin & Marshall 39, NYU 6
125: Will Ladiner (NYU) by forfeit
133: Jake Bucha (F&M) maj. dec. Steve Contino, 17-4
141: Aaron Velasquez (F&M) dec. Clement Bommier, 6-1
149: Andrew Murano (F&M) maj. dec. Dan Gorman, 20-8
157: Eric Norgard (F&M) by forfeit
165: Anthony Bongarzone (F&M) pinned Michael Roberson, 2:34
174: Matt Fullowan (F&M) dec. David Rice, 7-1
184: Matt Latessa (F&M) dec. Sabino Galassi, 8-6
197: Colin Ely (F&M) maj. dec. Stephen Massey, 10-2
285: Daniel Canfield (F&M) pinned Rudy de la Cruz, 1:40
